A big debate conference devoted to the theme: “Fighting against stereotypes in order to establish a culture of equality between men and women” took place at Salon de  l’éducation (“Education Exhibition”) on the 22nd November in Paris, France. On that occasion, Vivendi and Laboratoire de l’égalité presented the first results of a study, titled “Women in music and cinema in Europe”.

Pascale Thumerelle, Vivendi’s Corporate Social Responsibility Vice-president, introduced the study. She was then be followed by its author, Caroline Ibos, lecturer in political sciences at the University of Haute-Bretagne, who commented on the results. Two artists, having already participated in the study, also contributed to the debate: singer-songwriter Juliette, and scriptwriter and director of the film Ombline, Stéphane Cazes. The roundtable concluded with Brigitte Gonthier-Maurin, Chair of the Delegation for women’s rights and equal opportunities in the French Senate, and author of the informative report “A Woman’s place in Art and Culture: the time has come to act”.

 

Vivendi has defined a number of CSR priority areas for action which contribute to creating value for the Group and its stakeholders. Promoting women’s role in cinema and music in Europe is in line with this policy. Therefore, we have proposed a partnership with Laboratoire de l’égalité in order to join their network of researchers and members with our network of professionals. This includes managers and colleagues of Universal Music and Canal+ Group as well as artists and actors from the value chain in these cultural and creative industries.

Joining together our collective expertise, we shall focus on three objectives:

  • solicit opinions and suggestions from artists regarding ways to promote gender equality in the cultural sector; 
  • raise awareness about this societal issue among the various stakeholders; 
  • present decision-makers with pathways for concrete action based on the results of the study. 

 

You can find the full study on www.cultureswithvivendi.com, as well as on the Laboratoire de l’égalité’s website (www.laboratoiredelegalite.org). This study will also be discussed at 5pm on the 28th November at the next “Culture Webcast” of Vivoice, Vivendi’s webradio.

 

On the 21st November, Vivendi signed a Pact on stereotypes proposed by the Laboratoire de l’égalité in the presence of Ms. Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, Minister of Women’s Rights together with other companies and organizations.